Cloth replacement apparatus and cloth replacement mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual replacement of wiping cloths in automated production systems hinders full automation, as existing systems lack an efficient method for automatically swapping the wiping cloths on robotic arms.
Innovation Solution
A cloth replacement apparatus comprising a frame body, a robotic arm, a replacement module, a clamping-pulling module, and a supply module, which enables automated detachment, cutting, and reinstallation of wiping cloths, using a snap ring mechanism and cutting assembly to facilitate seamless cloth changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual replacement of wiping cloth is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but automation level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wiping cloth replacement process is divided into distinct functional modules: a clamping-pulling module for removing used cloths, a supply module for providing new cloths, and a replacement module for coordinating the exchange. This segmentation enables automated operation while keeping each module's structure manageable and focused on a specific task.
Solution Approach 2:
A robotic arm serves as an intermediary device between the supply module and the wiping head, transferring the wiping cloth during the replacement process. This intermediary mechanism automates the cloth exchange without requiring direct manual intervention, thereby increasing automation level while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Productivity
If automated wiping cloth replacement is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The supply module pre-stores multiple wiping cloths in advance, and the clamping-pulling module is pre-configured with clamping structures. When replacement is needed, the system can immediately execute the exchange without preparation delays, thereby improving productivity while the preliminary setup is done once during system initialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping-pulling module integrates both the clamping function and the pulling function into a single unified structure that moves together. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby improving replacement efficiency while limiting the increase in system complexity.
3Loss of time
If continuous automated operation is achieved, then loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply module is designed to hold multiple wiping cloths in sequence, allowing the robotic arm to continuously perform replacement operations without interruption. As one cloth is being used, the next cloth is already positioned and ready, ensuring continuous productive operation and minimizing downtime while keeping the mechanism relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A cloth replacement apparatus includes a frame body, a robotic arm, a replacement module, a clamping-pulling module, and a supply module. The robotic arm includes a wiping head. The replacement module includes a base body. The base body has a receiving portion. The wiping head is selectively received in the receiving portion. The clamping-pulling module is movably disposed on the frame body. The supply module includes a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly is movably disposed on the frame body.